Meisho Hario: The Career of a Dirt Racing Champion
Meisho Hario established himself as a formidable force in Japanese dirt racing, characterized by his resilience and ability to perform at the highest levels of competition. Over a career spanning from 2020 to 2025, he transitioned from a promising maiden winner to a historic Grade 1 champion, leaving a lasting mark on the sport.
Key Facts
- First Grade 1 Victory: Won the Teio Sho (JpnI) in 2022.
- Historic Achievement: First horse to win consecutive Teio Sho titles (2022 and 2023).
- Total JpnI Wins: Four victories, including the Teio Sho (twice), Kashiwa Kinen, and Kawasaki Kinen.
- Career Span: Competed from April 2020 until his deregistration in December 2025.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence (2020–2021)
Meisho Hario began his racing journey on April 5, 2020, at Hanshin Racecourse. After a fifth-place debut, he quickly found his footing, winning a maiden race at Fukushima on April 18 and later securing a 1-win-class victory at Kyoto in October.
His four-year-old season in 2021 saw a steady climb through the ranks. He secured allowance wins in the Kokurajo Tokubetsu and the Kunpu Stakes. His ability to compete against elite fields became evident when he finished second in the July Stakes (Listed) and the Uzumasa Stakes (Open). He capped the year with a narrow victory in the Miyako Stakes (GIII), defeating Lord Bless by a nose.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Ascension to Grade 1 Glory (2022–2023)
The year 2022 marked Meisho Hario's transition to the top tier of racing. After winning the March Stakes (GIII) at Nakayama, he made his first appearance in NAR (National Association of Racing) competition at the Teio Sho (JpnI). Ridden by Suguru Hamanaka, he secured a neck-and-neck victory over Chuwa Wizard, marking his first Grade 1-level win.
In 2023, Meisho Hario solidified his legacy. He won the Kashiwa Kinen (JpnI) in May, defeating Tagano Beauty. He then achieved a historic milestone by winning the Teio Sho (JpnI) for a second consecutive year, defeating Crown Pride by a nose and becoming the first horse ever to repeat this feat.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Challenges and Final Seasons (2024–2025)
The latter part of his career was marked by both high-level performance and physical setbacks. In 2024, a gait abnormality forced him to miss the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup. Despite these hurdles, he remained competitive, finishing second in the JBC Classic (JpnI) at Saga Racecourse in November.
His final season in 2025 began with a sixth-place finish in the February Stakes. However, he proved his enduring class by winning the Kawasaki Kinen (JpnI) in April, his fourth JpnI title. A dramatic incident occurred in July when he suffered an esophageal obstruction (choking on feed) while traveling to the Teio Sho; he was resuscitated by his groom using a water hose at a service area on the Shin-Tōmei Expressway, though he was withdrawn from the race.
Meisho Hario concluded his career with a second-place finish in the JBC Classic (JpnI) and a fourth-place finish in the Champions Cup (GI), where he was ridden by Yutaka Take for the first time. He was officially deregistered from JRA competition on December 12, 2025.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Career Performance Summary
| Year | Race | Grade/Level | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Miyako Stakes | GIII | 1st |
| 2022 | March Stakes | GIII | 1st |
| 2022 | Teio Sho | JpnI | 1st |
| 2023 | Kashiwa Kinen | JpnI | 1st |
| 2023 | Teio Sho | JpnI | 1st |
| 2025 | Kawasaki Kinen | JpnI | 1st |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Meisho Hario's most significant career achievement?
His most significant achievement was becoming the first horse to win the Teio Sho (JpnI) in two consecutive years (2022 and 2023).
How many JpnI races did Meisho Hario win?
Meisho Hario won a total of four JpnI races: the Teio Sho (twice), the Kashiwa Kinen, and the Kawasaki Kinen.
Did Meisho Hario compete internationally?
While he was entered in the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup in 2024, he was scratched from both events due to a gait abnormality.
What happened to Meisho Hario before the 2025 Teio Sho?
He suffered an esophageal obstruction after choking on feed inside his transport van. He was resuscitated by his groom using a water hose at a service area on the Shin-Tōmei Expressway but was unable to compete in the race.
When did Meisho Hario retire from racing?
He was deregistered from JRA competition on December 12, 2025.